Police have released these graphic images after a sheep was attacked by a dog.

The pictures have been released to warn owners over the horrific injuries some dogs can inflict on other animals.

Police in Chorley said farmers across the region were constantly worrying about their livestock.

A police spokesperson said: "January sees the start of lambing time and attacks on sheep by dogs in the countryside is an ever present worry.

"We still have too many livestock attacks by dogs reported to us, this is both unnecessary and heartbreaking to see. Today we have performed a police resolution from a case in October where a husky type dog attacked a sheep in Chorley.

"The dog owner has covered the vets bills and received a Community Protection Warning. Had the owner not co-operated with this resolution he would have ended up in court next year."

Officers said OpRecall is a national campaign launched by the Cheshire Rural Crime team.